I first experienced red wine pasta (yes, this dish is an experience) while in Tuscany. It was on a long drive to escape the rain that we came upon a small osteria, somewhere outside of Chianti.  I’m still not entirely sure that it was open.  However, we were seated and exchanged pleasantries in Italian.  There was no menu.  The old woman who greeted us might have also been the cook, I’m not entirely sure.  She returned with two plates of the most gorgeous colored spaghetti I had ever seen.

It’s January in New Jersey.  That means most of our local farms have closed for the winter and the ones that remain open have only few precious produce to choose from, like eggs, potatoes, onions, winter squash and if we’re lucky maybe some leftover winter apples.  I will happily make do.  In fact, one of my favorite winter ingredients is the onion.  So versatile!  If a recipe calls for caramelized onions, I’m all in.  So today I want to share a Caramelized Onion & Olive Appetizer recipe.  This is a great crowd-pleaser, too!  So make a double batch and include it as part of your Super Bowl Sunday party menu.

Last night we endured a fierce ice storm.  As I write, intermittent hail still pangs against the windows.  The wind is whipping, having left remnants of broken branches strewn across the yard and road.  Since school was closed today, the kids and I resigned ourselves to staying in our pajamas all day.  Truth be told, I enjoy this kind of weather when we are all snug and cozy at home.  Cold and dreary days inspire me in the kitchen to make warm aromas that evoke comfort – and I savor when we are able to eat long and slow without the constraints of time bearing down on us.  So, today…